I took a Mindfulness course 8 months ago, and since then have been meditating almost daily. Although the course didn't specifically say so, I believe it followed the basic outline of Vipassana technique (it's based on Jon Kabat-Zinn's MIT MBSR course, which having read his books is basically secular Vipassana).

In any case, although I feel secure in my practice (it is what it is what it is), I'm thinking of finding a group in London to sit with for the community aspect (I'm currently checking out Shambhala, who are very nice). But also, I'm thinking that it might be good to find a teacher, and thus to my question:

What is involved in finding and working with a teacher? Do you meet weekly, monthly, just as needed? I'm a bit confused as to what is involved. Also, how does one find one? I know there are groups in London (London Insight for example) but would I just attend a talk, and then ask for a teacher? Or is it more a case of finding a group lead by a teacher and attending until you feel that it's appropriate to formally ask to be taken on as a student? How does one tell if someone would be a good teacher (other than gut feeling, which will of course play a role)?

Sounds like a ridiculous question, but I'm a bit unclear about it tbh.

Hi Bill, if distance is not an issue there are some great places outside of london also who have weekly lessons during the weekend, and you can make it a break from the hustle of london.The Buddhist society has some classes which have visiting teachers form different places each week/month so there is a good veriety of traditions to see there which may make your choice easier, but then charisma of an individual is not always the best indicator.good journeying!

This offering maybe right, or wrong, but it is one, the other, both, or neither!Blog,-Some Suttas Translated,Ajahn Chah."Others will misconstrue reality due to their personal perspectives, doggedly holding onto and not easily discarding them; We shall not misconstrue reality due to our own personal perspectives, nor doggedly holding onto them, but will discard them easily. This effacement shall be done."